Letters to the Editor

As everyone knows, violent antisemitic hate crimes have been skyrocketing across the United States. We’ve had two synagogue shootings this year, and as we approach the High Holidays, when synagogues are traditionally packed with more congregants, it’s all the more important to ensure that members are security-aware. No congregation should wait for tragedy to strike to take their own security seriously.

Therefore, Americans Against Antisemitism has partnered with two security training organizations, SecurityIntel and Sons of Liberty, to offer totally FREE training to synagogues which includes security awareness, facility walk-through assessments that expose weaknesses and blindspots, active-shooter scenario response, and tactical/safety training.

“In times like these, with violent antisemitism on the rise, we can’t rely on others to secure our places of worship, so it’s imperative that we sure up our defenses,” said Americans Against Antisemitism founder and president, Dov Hikind.

Several synagogues have already signed-up ahead of the holidays as there’s no time to lose. If your synagogue would like to schedule a free training, contact [email protected] to set it up today.

Sincerely

Americans Against Antisemitism

Bernie Sanders Ties with Linda Sarsour

Dear Editor:

The National Council of Young Israel (NCYI) on Monday called on Democratic presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders to sever his ties with Linda Sarsour, who was recently named a surrogate for his campaign.

Sarsour is a co-founder of the Women’s March, which was heavily criticized for fostering anti-Semitism and refusing to condemn Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, who has a history of making anti-Semitic comments. She is also an unabashed supporter of the anti-Semitic BDS movement and has a troubling track record of making derogatory comments about Jews.

“The National Council of Young Israel calls on Senator Bernie Sanders to immediately end his campaign’s relationship with Linda Sarsour in light of her controversial history of anti-Semitic comments, anti-Semitic associations and anti-Semitic support,” said NCYI President Farley Weiss. “There is no room in any political campaign for anti-Semites to have a role, regardless of whether they are there in an official or unofficial capacity.”

“Bringing Linda Sarsour, who has demonstrated open animosity toward the State of Israel, on board a presidential campaign is a tremendous cause for alarm,” added Weiss. “Her anti-Semitic statements, her eagerness to vilify Israel, her blatant disregard for the Palestinian Authority’s ongoing glorification of terrorism, and her proud support for the BDS movement, which Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has stated is unquestionably anti-Semitic, are beyond the pale. Individuals who exhibit hate and promote anti-Semitism should have no involvement whatsoever in a political campaign for the presidency of the United States. It is our hope that Senator Sanders will do the right thing and immediately distance himself from Linda Sarsour and her hate-mongering ways.”

Sincerely

Nat’l Council of Young Israel

Nat’l “Car Free” Day on Sept 22

Dear Editor:

National Car Free Day September 22nd should be celebrated everyday.

Millions of Americans today, including many NYC residents, utilize various public transportation alternatives. They include local and express bus, ferry, jitney, light rail, subway and commuter rail services. All of these systems use less fuel and move far more people than conventional single occupancy vehicles. Most of these systems are funded with your tax dollars.

Depending upon where you live, consider the public transportation alternative. Try riding a local or express bus, commuter van, ferry, light rail, commuter rail or subway.

Leave your car at home. For local trips in the neighborhood, walk or ride a bike. For longer travels, consider many public transportation alternatives already available. MTA NYC Transit Subway and Bus, MTA Bus (the old private NYC DOT franchised bus operators including Green Bus, Queens Surface, Jamaica Bus, Triboro Coach, Command Bus, Liberty Lines Bronx Express and New York Bus), Long Island Rail Road, Metro North Rail Road, NYC Departments of Transportation Staten Island Ferry and Economic Development Corporation Private Ferries, PATH and New Jersey Transit along with other private bus transportation owners. They use less fuel and move far more people than cars. In many cases, your employer can offer transit checks to help subsidize a portion of the costs. Utilize your investments and reap the benefits. You’ll be supporting a cleaner environment and be less stressed upon arrival at your final destination.

The ability to travel from home to workplace, school, shopping, entertainment, medical, library etc. is a factor when moving to a new neighborhood. Economically successful communities are not 100% dependent on automobiles as the sole means of mobility. Seniors, students, low and middle income people need these transportation alternatives. Investment in public transportation today contributes to economic growth, employment and a stronger economy. Dollar for dollar, it is one of the best investments we can make.

Sincerely,

Larry Penner

(Larry Penner is a transportation historian, writer and advocate who previously worked 31 years for the Federal Transit Administration Region 2 New York Office. This included the development, review, approval and oversight for billions in capital projects and programs for the MTA, NYC Transit, Long Island and Metro North Rail Roads, MTA Bus, NICE Bus, NYC Department of Transportation along with 30 other transit agencies in NY & NJ).

Congratulating Mariano Rivera!!

Dear Editor:

Allow me to say that I was quite moved to watch President Trump giving baseball legend Mariano Rivera the Medal of Freedom award at the White House. Mariano Rivera was not only considered the best closer in baseball pitching history, but as the POTUS said, he may have been considered the best pitcher that the MLB has ever seen in its very long and storied history.

In addition, Mariano was the only MLB player to ever have been unanimously voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown by a cadre of prominent sportswriters.

So, the great number 42 in NY Yankee history not only graced the baseball mound with tremendous dignity and achieved innumerable records in the game’s history but the most important matter is that he is a man of G-d, a man who has dedicated himself to many charitable and religious causes. He is a man who has visited Israel and has fallen in love with its symbolism, its people, its culture and what it represents for all the major religions around the world.